It's time to fire up your engines and gear up for another Poker Run season, as performance enthusiasts answer the siren call of thousands of unbridled horses, and Poker Run fleets embark on another season of adventures.

Our April Poker Run in Sarasota drew more than ninety of the most colorful water-bred steeds I have ever encountered, with everyone enjoying an absolutely magnificent day on the water. Coverage of this event can be found on pages 32-40, and additional images are posted on the website www.pokerrunsamerica.com.

During the coming months we will bring the Poker Runs America experience to more than a dozen locations, but the highlight of the season promises to be our first annual Connecticut/Long Island Poker Run at the spectacular Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino, on the July 14-15 weekend. This venue includes a wide range of upscale accommodations, gourmet restaurants and exclusive boutiques, providing a weekend to remember for the whole family. Chris Cestaro of Ocean Performance will open his facilities for the fleet of Poker Runners on Friday afternoon - this is certain to be a highlight of the trip.

Our Performance Boat Television production team was on hand at Crescent City when Ken Warby debuted his Australian jet boat for the first time in American waters - the world speed contender is powered by a 9,000 h.p. jet engine - and Ken will be attempting to break his own World Speed Record of 317.60 mph once the boat is dialed-in for peak performance.

There have been some exciting new developments in the area of noise abatement, with several manufacturers addressing the situation. Custom Marine has a new range of bolt-on silencers, and Nor-Tech brought a new 43' cat, "O U Want Some" to the Sarasota Poker Run, powered by twin Merc 1075's, and sporting a new "stealth" exhaust system developed by Nor-Tech...surprisingly quiet, especially for a boat capable of 140 mph - it casts a new light on the need for ALL boaters to have mufflers - now you can satisfy your quest for performance, and the legal requirements as well, with minimal loss of power.

Through our Poker Run events we have had the pleasure of sharing our love of boating with thousands of enthusiasts and spectators. Our approach to safety at the Poker Runs is a concept that we share with event organizers throughout North America as well. The American Poker Runs Association provides an event organizer's manual, and performance boater's handbook outlining the many areas that must be addressed in order to have the safest run possible.

As I write this column, our APRA safety staff are attending the National Safe Boating Meetings in Palm Harbor, Florida, delivering the message that Poker Runs are safe and enjoyable recreational activities, ideal for the entire family. Why not plan to attend a Poker Run in your area this summer, and discover the ultimate in performance boating....see you on the water!

William E. Taylor, Publisher

(Feature Article: Poker Runs Are Here To Stay)